The name Edward Blackwood sent a shockwave through Gregory’s entire body. His father had often spoken of Blackwood in hushed tones, as though the mere mention of his name could summon a storm.He had never fully understood why his father had ended their partnership with Blackwood, but he had always assumed it was simply a matter of differing visions.Now, standing in the heart of the crisis, the truth was clearer than ever: this was not just a business rivalry. This was personal. “Blackwood?”Gregory repeated, his voice a mix of disbelief and confusion. “He’s been dead for years. You’re telling me he’s alive?”The armed man nodded, his eyes cold and impassive. “He faked his death. We were told to let you think he was gone. It’s all been a long con, Gregory. He’s been watching, waiting. And now, he’s ready to take everything back.”Jason, who had been silent up until this point, now spoke, his voice filled with concern. “I knew something was wrong. But I never imagined Blackwood would

The cold metal of the gun felt like a death sentence pressed against Gregory's chest. His breath caught, the sound of his heartbeat thudding in his ears as the man’s dark eyes bore into him. Time seemed to freeze as the weight of the situation settled over them."Don't move," the man’s voice was low, filled with venom, but there was something more, an underlying satisfaction. He wasn’t just after Gregory or his mother. This was personal. The gun trembled ever so slightly in his hand, but it was steady enough to spell disaster if Gregory made the wrong move."You're too late," the man sneered, his lips curling into a cruel grin. "This game is over."Gregory’s mind raced. He had to think. The sound of the vehicles behind him was almost deafening now, the sound of footsteps on the other side of the stream echoing through the trees. His pulse quickened. He couldn’t let his mother see him back down. He couldn’t let this be the end, not like this.For a split second, he considered lunging a

The men froze, their eyes flickering between the mysterious stranger and Gregory. The armed guards had their weapons ready, but none of them dared to make a move. It was as if they were waiting for a signal, a command, something to break the stalemate.The stranger’s eyes were cold and calculating as he slowly surveyed the scene. His gaze lingered for a moment on Gregory, then shifted to the group of men surrounding him. There was no fear in the stranger’s demeanor, just a quiet, dangerous confidence that seemed to seep into the very air around him.Gregory felt a strange sense of calm wash over him, even though his heart was still pounding in his chest. The man before him was an enigma dangerous, but somehow… trustworthy. “Who are you?” the man who had been holding Gregory at gunpoint demanded again,his voice less certain now. “What do you want?” The stranger didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stepped forward, his boots crunching against the dry leaves beneath him. The silence

Gregory’s heart was racing, every instinct screaming at him to run, but the stranger’s sudden silence held him in place. The woods were eerily still, the only sound being the distant rustling of leaves in the breeze. But Gregory could feel it, the presence, lurking just beyond his line of sight.The stranger’s eyes were narrowed, focused on something ahead, his posture rigid. Gregory could see him slowly reaching for something hidden beneath his jacket, a weapon, perhaps, but he couldn’t afford to ask.“What’s out there?” Gregory whispered, unable to tear his gaze away from the darkened path ahead.“Stay quiet,”the stranger muttered back, his voice barely audible. “Someone’s watching us. They know we’re here.”Gregory’s stomach twisted with dread. Watching them? But from where? The trees? The underbrush? His mind raced, but before he could voice another question, a low growl echoed through the clearing, and the air seemed to thicken.Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, movin

Victor’s figure filled the doorway, tall and imposing, his eyes cold and calculating as they scanned the room.Gregory’s breath hitched in his chest, and he instinctively recoiled. The man standing in front of him was not just some adversary; he was the embodiment of the danger that had been lurking in the shadows all this time.The stranger stepped forward, his posture defensive but unwavering, his hand instinctively going to the weapon at his side. “Stay back, Gregory,” he warned in a low voice. “He’s dangerous.”Gregory barely registered the stranger’s command. His heart was hammering in his chest, and his mind was racing with questions. The man before him, Victor was a cold, ruthless stranger, but there was something oddly familiar about him. His sharp features, the glint in his eyes, all felt like pieces of a puzzle that didn’t quite fit.Victor’s lips curled into a smirk as he sized up Gregory. “So, you’re the one they’ve been hiding all this time.” His voice was smooth, almost